Fujifilm X-H1 is company’s first truly video-centric camera

Fujifilm has made a reputation for itself with its classic-looking cameras and knack for coming up with a range of filters for all kinds of tastes. The X series of mirrorless cameras have been the flag bearers of the company, but none have really focused on video recording as much as the newly launched X-H1 we’re seeing right here.

It’s still a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera sporting an APS-C image sensor — which isn’t as large as a full-frame sensor, but helps keep the X-H1 more affordable and able to use Fujifilm’s growing selection of lenses.

Beginning March 1, you can buy the X-H1 for US$ 1,900 (body only). While that may still seem hefty to videographers on a budget, there’s more to the camera than just its professional design.

Fujifilm calls the X-H1 the best-performing entry in the entire X series line of mirrorless cameras. That’s a bold statement considering how great the X-T2 and X-Pro2 are, but there’s some truth to that.

For one, the X-H1 uses the same 24.3-megapixel X-Trans CMOS III found in the brand’s other high-end cameras. Combined with the X-Processor Pro image processor, it can shoot at an ISO ranging from 200 to 12800 and at a continuous speed of 14 frames per second.

What really sets it apart is the inclusion of in-body image stabilization. This means you can attach any compatible lens and you’ll have steady shots throughout your footage. As for the output itself, the maximum bit rate is at 200Mbps and you can hit up to 30fps for 4K content.

In terms of physique, it shares similarities with the medium format (and much pricier) GFX 50S. The most distinguishable feature is the monochrome display on top for a quick look at exposure settings, as well as dust and water resistance for outdoor shooting. There’s also a tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD at the back and 3.69-megapixel electronic viewfinder.

There are more features geared toward serious videographers, but what’ll attract casual users more is the Eterna film simulation mode, which gives movies a more ideal, instantly attractive look, plus another mode to reduce flicker while shooting indoors under artificial lighting. Those who want to connect this to their smartphone will be glad to know there’s integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

The X-H1 has all the makings of a great addition to a cinematographer’s arsenal, but only time will tell if it’ll be able to stand against the giants of Sony, Canon, and Nikon.

Insta360 Nano S hands-on: What’s new?

Last year, I first tried out the plug-and-play Insta360 Nano and I was introduced to the world of 360 videos. Boy, did I have fun with it. From 360-degree Facebook Live shows to cute tiny planet videos, there were a lot of media possibilities. And, it didn’t stop there. Later on in the year, the Insta360 ONE was released and it was a 360 camera game-changer with 4K video capabilities and standalone recording functions.

This year’s release is the Insta360 Nano S: An updated version of that first camera with the best qualities of the second.

It looks and feels like the Insta360 Nano. It’s almost identical and it still connects via Lightning port to your iPhone. But, it can do a lot more.

Unlike the Insta360 Nano, this camera can work without being plugged to a phone since it has a microSD slot.

This thing has two 20-megapixel fisheye cameras that are capable of shooting 4K 360-degree videos or 20-megapixel photos.

It’s the multiple export modes, though, that makes the Nano S more fun. You can save photos and videos using the different MultiView modes to get different perspectives. I’m not just talking about 360 videos, either. This option below gives you both front and back views simultaneously.

This one gives you three different perspectives all at the same time because why not!

The tiny earth effect, a classic Insta360 favorite, is still available as one of the export modes.

Of course, this camera comes with FreeCapture capabilities first introduced to us on the Insta360 ONE. This just means that you can edit the 360-degree video you’ve already shot and export it as a normal video. The best part? You can choose what specific POV you’d want on that 2D video as the Insta360 app allows you to pick out scenes and edit to your liking. There’s also real-time stabilization for smoother video, which is always a great thing.

The Nano S combines the best that Insta360 has to offer. If you’re interested in getting yourself a 360 camera, this might be worth looking into.

Tough luck if you aren’t an iPhone user, however. Although the company has announced that an Android version may be coming, there isn’t any concrete news on this yet. The Insta360 Nano S retails for US$ 239.

The new Instax Square SQ6 is here and it looks awesome!

Fujifilm has just added another instant camera to their Instax line and it’s one photogenic shooter! The Instax Square SQ6 was unveiled and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.

It comes in three colors. One is in gray or graphite. This basic look is more classic and neutral.

There’s also one that comes in a clean, crisp white — because we’re seeing more white devices in 2018.

And my favorite, of course, a rose gold variant.

This pretty thing has an auto exposure function which means the camera adjusts to different lighting scenarios and even a selfie mode for optimum instant selfies! There’s also a double exposure mode, macro mode, and landscape mode. It shoots with Fujifilm’s square format film.

These freshly announced cameras look less bulky and definitely more stylish compared to the brand’s previous release, the SQ10 that I reviewed last year. Of course, the SQ6 is also simpler than its predecessor: It doesn’t look like you can edit the photos before printing, which isn’t really a deal breaker for these types of cameras. The best part? It retails for only US$ 130 in the US and PhP 8,000 in the Philippines (which is basically half the price of the high-end SQ10).

The SQ6 will be available starting May 25. In the Philippines, it will be in stores starting June.

Sony A7 III launches in the Philippines with price and availability

The latest addition to the full-frame mirrorless camera family of Sony has finally landed in the Philippines. The A7 III is positioned as the base model of Sony’s third-generation A7 series, sitting below the A7R III which was launched late last year, but it’s not just a “basic model” in the series.

The camera boasts a 35mm full-frame sensor with 24.2 megapixels and built-in 5-axis image stabilization. The sensor is complemented by an upgraded BIONZ-X processor making it possible for the camera to shoot 10fps in both RAW and JPEG formats. It also has 693 autofocus points and an Eye AF feature for fast detection of subjects.

As for its video capabilities, the A7 III can capture 4K HDR up to 30fps with 100Mbps bitrate. It also supports S-Log3 and 120fps slow-motion capture in 1080p resolution.